Medicare Eligibility

Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and you are 65 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

Who is eligible for Medicare? Eligibility generally begins at age 65 for most people, or for those who have been on Social Security disability for at least two years. However, the type of Medicare you need will determine your eligibility.

Medicare Part A

If you or your spouse has legally worked for at least 10 years in the United States, and you paid taxes toward your Part A hospital benefits, you are eligible for Part A. Many Americans no longer need to pay Part A premiums when they are eligible for medicare, as this part mainly covers hospital stays.

Medicare Part B

For a monthly payment, you can receive outpatient benefits that include doctor visits, labwork, surgery fees, and more. If you still have health insurance through an employer when you turn 65, you may not need to enroll into Part B if you prefer the other plan.

Medicare Part C

The Medicare Advantage Program (Part C) allows you to receive benefits through a private insurance company instead of Medicare. These plans often have smaller networks, and they still require you to enroll in Part A and Part B.

Medicare Part D

Medicare recipients can choose Part D as long as they are actively enrolled in either Part A or Part B and live in the Part D plan’s service area. This plan is optional, but we highly recommend it if you have no other drug coverage.

Learn more about your eligibility by getting in touch with Agency for Retired, Elderly & Disabled today.